Illuminated theater facade with vibrant fountain display at night.
For generations, New York has been seen as the center of the America's thriving music scene. It's the birthplace of several genres of music and the place where countless famous musicians experienced their humble beginnings. It was in New York that the iconic 1960's Woodstock Festival took place, and where rock legend Jimi Hendrix won the Apollo's "Amateur Night."
It's perfectly fitting, then, that New York State is also home to some of the best music venues in the country. These venues range from small, intimate theaters to larger-than-life big-name arenas. They all have one thing in common: roots in a state with one of the richest musical histories in the entire world. Here are our picks for the best music venues in New York State.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York, NY
Opened in 1962, this 16-acre theater complex was built under the direction of John D. Rockefeller himself. Today, it's a mecca for musicians across the city. Lincoln Center is the home of the New York Philharmonic, and Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet.
Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
This Art-Deco style theater, opened in 1932, is a vision of its own. In fact, the interior of Radio City Music Hall was declared a New York City landmark in 1978. In addition to the cherished annual Christmas Spectacular (where you can see the famous Rockettes), this Rockefeller Center music venue showcases big-name acts like Sigur Ros and Alessia Cara.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
This not-for-profit outdoor musical amphitheater is located on the site of the famous 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York. It opened in 2008 and it's already hosting famous artists like Aretha Franklin and the Beach Boys. Grab a spot on the lawn and enjoy the ideal outdoor concert experience.
Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Carnegie Hall was designed by the architect William Burnet Tothill, built by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and opened in 1891. Today, the midtown NYC venue hosts 250 classical and popular music performances each season in its three beautiful auditoriums: Stern Auditorium, Zankel Hall, and Weill Recital Hall.
Apollo Theater, New York, NY
Harlem's Apollo Theater has been a musical tastemaker since it opened in 1914. The classical revival theater has a history of promoting African-American performers and is responsible for starting the careers of countless music legends, including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Billie Holliday, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye. In 1964, Jimi Hendrix won the Apollo Theater's "Amateur Night." Today, the historic theater is owned and operated by the State of New York and receives 1.3 million visitors every year.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY
Opened in 1966, this Saratoga Springs staple is currently the summer home of both the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The outdoor amphitheater, located in Saratoga Spa State Park, can hold up to 25,100 people for big names like Snoop Dogg, Counting Crows, and Toby Keith.
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
This indoor arena, located above New York City's bustling Penn Station, is a household name among New York City venues. For concerts, the Garden can hold up to 18,200 people, and brings in famous pop musicians like Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Billy Joel. In 2016, the music venue hosted MTV's Video Music Awards.
Blue Note New York, NY
If you're looking for some quality New York City jazz, head straight to Greenwich Village and into the tiny, intimate Blue Note Jazz Club. Since it opened in 1981, this cozy club has hosted huge talent like Ray Charles, John Scofield, and Sarah Vaughn.
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Home of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders, this attractive Brooklyn venue has boasted an impressive calendar of musical talent since it opened its doors in 2010. With a green roof and enough seating for 19,000, the arena showcases big names like Jay-Z, the Black Keys, Bruce Springsteen, and Kanye West.
Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC), Canandaigua, NY
Opened in 1983 and renovated in 2006, the Finger Lakes region's CMAC is a large outdoor amphitheater that is the summer home of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. With a capacity of up to 15,000 people, the venue's location is ideal for an outdoor concert, which explains why so many of its performers, including Dave Matthews Band, Mumford & Sons, the Allman Brothers, Kenny Chesney, and Lady Antebellum, open to sold-out shows.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts: A world-renowned performing arts complex home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and NYC Ballet.
- Radio City Music Hall: Iconic Art Deco venue in Rockefeller Center known for the Rockettes and concerts by major artists like Sigur Ros and Alessia Cara.
- Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: Outdoor amphitheater on the original Woodstock site hosting big-name acts like Aretha Franklin and the Beach Boys.
- Carnegie Hall: This historic concert hall offers top-tier classical and contemporary performances across three stunning auditoriums.
- Apollo Theater: A Harlem landmark that launched legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown, it is still a major cultural force with live shows and "Amateur Night."
- Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC): The scenic amphitheater in Saratoga Spa State Park hosts major artists and serves as the summer home for ballet and orchestras.
- Madison Square Garden: Legendary arena in Midtown Manhattan for concerts, award shows, and residencies by stars like Billy Joel and Adele.
- Blue Note New York: Intimate Greenwich Village jazz club that has featured greats like Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughn since 1981.
- Barclays Center: Modern arena with big-time concerts by artists like Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, and sports events.
- Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC): Outdoor venue in the Finger Lakes region with a 15,000-person capacity, hosting artists like Dave Matthews Band and Mumford & Sons.
